NEW ALBANY, Ind. — The New Albany City Council voted unanimously to spend up to $10,000 on safety signs and safety devices around the Silver Creek Dam and landing.
Residents had their chance to weigh in on the future of the dam, where 14-year-old AJ Edwards died on Memorial Day.
Mayor Jeff Gahan has recommended improving the dam with rock ramps, but keep the infrastructure of the dam.
AJ's grandmother, Judy Clark, urged the council to remove the dam entirely.
"Signs don't save lives, removing the dam will save a lot of lives," Clark said.
Others expressed that they want to see the dam modified through Mayor Gahan's recommended rock ramps to preserve recreational activities.
"If this tragedy is the main reason you are deciding to destroy the dam, is that fair to the thousands of people who have used this area safely?" New Albany resident Scott Birch said.
Council member Louise Gohmann said the vote to fund the safety signs was a step in the right direction.
"If we can keep one person safe, it's worth it," she said.
But, is also pushing for the full removal of the dam.
"Some have suggested that putting up signs is a waste of money, that we're essentially putting a Band-Aid on a broken lake. I would agree with that. However, personally, I hope the sign is only temporary until the dam comes down," Gohmann said.
Council members Stefanie Griffith and Scott Blair introduced a resolution to do just that. The resolution "encourages the removal and/or safety mitigation of the low-head dams in Silver Creek."
"The quickest way to prevent additional tragedy out there...let's tear the dam down," Blair said.
The resolution was amended and includes points, such as: "it is recommended that the City of New Albany, Ecosystems Connections Institute, and River Heritage Conservancy meet and implement an immediate plan for the removal and/or safety of the Providence Mill Dam structure."
At the conclusion of Monday night's council meeting, both Blair and Griffith voted against the amended resolution, but it did pass.
The next council meeting is July 18.
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